Sprint into Spring

By Kyra Mancine

Runners and walkers are all smiles during this 5K in Fayetteville.
Runners and walkers are all smiles during this 5K in Fayetteville.

Runners and walkers — get ready! May marks the start of the spring running season. Temperatures are ideal to participate in a race. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and the humidity hasn’t kicked in yet. There are plenty of races out there, from small community races to larger events, beginner to advanced. Whether this is your first 5K or your fiftieth, lace up those shoes and get out there.

Not a runner?

You can always walk these events, or attend as a spectator to cheer on your friends and family.

Sunday, May 6
Mountain Goat Run 10 mile, 2-person relay & kid’s run

Up for a challenge? This popular, hilly race attracts thousands. The theme this year is “40 Years of Running Over the Hill.” Registration includes an insulated shopping bag, pint glass and blanket as well as post-race food and craft beer. The half mile kid’s run starts at 8:50 a.m., the 10 mile and relay starts at 9:15 a.m. Race begins at Clinton Square in Syracuse.
• www.mountaingoatrun.com

Saturday, May 12
Trumansburg May Day 5K & 5 Mile

Starting at 10:30 a.m., this family-friendly event starts from the Trumansburg Central School Campus.
• https://mayday5k.org/

Right to Run 19K, 5K

These races in Seneca Falls celebrate the women’s movement. Proceeds benefit the future home of the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Both the 19K and the 5K start at 8:30 a.m. All registrants get a gender specific T-shirt and post-race food.
• http://righttorun19k.org/

Little Moe 5k

Love animals? Race proceeds go toward a nonprofit that cares for rescued horses and other animals. The trail race is dedicated to “Little Moe,” a rescued pony that touched the community. This pet- and family-friendly event, starts at 8:15 a.m. from Green Lakes State Park (West beach) in Fayetteville. New this year — your bib gets you free admission to The Haven at Skanda farm park in Cazenovia after the race.
•www.facebook.com/littlemoe5k/

Sunday, May 13
Cortland Mother’s Day 5k

This is one of the races in the 2018 BorgWarner/Cortland YMCA Race Series. Starting from the Cortland YMCA at 9 a.m., runners go through residential neighborhoods before returning back to the Y. Registration includes a T-shirt.
• www.cortlandymca.org/for-healthy-living/ymca-races/ymca-race-series/

Show Your Swell 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run

Preceded by the Fun Run at 9:15 a.m., the 5k starts at 10 a.m. from Onondaga Lake Park (Long Branch Park area) in Liverpool. 5k participants get finisher’s medals and T-shirts. This race is a fundraiser with proceeds benefiting the US Hereditary Angioedema Association. HAE is a rare and life threatening genetic condition.
• www.facebook.com/ShowYourSwell5K

Friday, May 18
Wilber-Duck Mile

This night race, cosponsored by the Syracuse Track Club and Fleet Feet Sports, starts at 6:45 p.m. from Wilber Duck Chevrolet in Oneida. Females are in the first flight, followed by males and then walkers. Participants receive a T-shirt with registration. Event also includes live entertainment and a car push at 6:30 p.m. Event benefits Fit Kids of Madison County and the Oneida United Way.
• http://syracusetrackclub.org/RaceApps/WilberDuck2018.pdf

Saturday, May 19
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K and Fun Run

This fundraising event is for survivors, those living with breast cancer and those who support them. Opening ceremonies begin at 8 a.m., followed by a Pink Parade, 9:15 a.m. Kids Fun Run and 10:15 a.m. 5K. The parking lot shuttle to the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse begins at 7:30 a.m. https://komenupstatenewyork.org/race/

Sunday, May 20
Fit to Be Tied 5K Run & 3K Walk

Break out your craziest tie for the contest that is a part of this event! This run is in memory of Bob Palmer, a fitness enthusiast and school psychologist who wore silly ties to make students smile. The run supports amyloidosis research. Amyloidosis is a rare disease that impacts organ tissue. The event starts from the Sawmill Creek Pavilion at Willow Bay, Onondaga Lake Park, Syracuse. Run the 5K at 9 a.m. or do the 3K walk at 9:15 a.m.
• www.fittobetied.org

Saturday, May 26
Tribute to the Fallen 5K

This race is held in the town considered the birthplace of Memorial Day. It starts and ends at Waterloo High School. An evening race, it starts at 6:30 p.m. Registered participants receive a race T-shirt.
• http://waterloony.com/memorial-day/celebrate-commemorate/events/5k-walk-run.

Beak & Skiff Orchard 4 Mile Run, Kids 1 Mile Run, 1 Mile Orchard Walk

Want to give trail running a try? These races will have you running through hilly terrain at apple orchards in LaFayette. Prior to the race, you can join their free training series on May 3, 10 or 17. Race day times start at 8:30 a.m. for the 1-mile and walk and 9 a.m. for the 4-mile trail race.
• http://cnyorchardrun.com

Sunday, May 27
Majorpalooza Catch Me If You Can 5K

This race in Auburn is intended to raise awareness and support for children in Central New York who are disabled, underprivileged or afflicted with a life-threatening or terminal medical condition. This family-friendly event includes music, entertainment, beer, wine and food. The course starts at 8:30 a.m. from city hall and runs past historic homes and Veterans Memorial Park. The Stefanak Sprint (in memory of Caitlyn Stefanak, a 4-year-old who lost her battle to cancer) is for children under 10 years old. It starts at 9:45 a.m.
• www.majorpalooza.com/catch-me-if-you-can-5k.html


Other Upcoming Races

• www.syracusetrackclub.org/Calendar.shtml
• www.cnyrunning.com/
• www.fleetfeetsyracuse.com/calendar